Downtown Ocean City has everything
Discover fun, food, shopping, events and entertainment in downtown OC
Ocean City is a seasonal resort town, and as the Labor Day holiday comes and goes in the first few days of September, the peak season in Ocean City officially comes to an end and shoulder season begins.
The kids are back in school, the beach is less enticing, and town is less busy during the weekdays. The shoulder season brings us an ever-growing schedule of large weekend festivals and events to help bolster the local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
For many visitors to town, the shoulder season is their preferred time of year in Ocean City, as the weather is cooler and the town is less crowded. Many year-round residents also embrace the shoulder season, as a welcomed reprieve from the hustle of the busy season.
The first major downtown shoulder season event of 2024 comes in the form of OC Bikefest (Sept. 1115). Billed as the largest motorcycle rally on East Coast, this is certainly one of the loudest events of the year in Ocean City.
Keep an eye out while driving in town because motorcycles will be everywhere. Throughout the town and region there will be vendor villages, charity
rides and poker runs, and other motorcycle-centric activities.
The biggest draw of OC Bikefest, though, are the three days of concerts that take place in the inlet parking lot. This year’s concerts features hard rock bands Buckcherry, Sevendust, and Theory of a Deadman, as well as classic rock bands Tesla, Styx, Cheap Trick, and Ted Nugent.
One of our favorite shoulder season events, the OCtoberfest Shore Craft Beer Festival, returns for its 10th year. This year the craft beer festival has been moved to a new date (Sept. 21) and to a new location, the recently renovated Bayside Park at 3rd. Continued on page 11
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OC TODAY-DISPATCH is the leading newspaper publisher on the Maryland coast, with OC Today-Dispatch publishing weekly on Friday, Bayside Gazette and Ocean City Digest publishing on Thursdays and Real Estate, the Coastal Real Estate Resource publishing key weekends throughout the year. On the Web: www.oceancitytoday.com
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OCDC’s $325,000 in grants will help restore properties
OCEAN CALLING PARTY
OCEAN CALLING PARTY
The State of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently awarded many of its annual grants to nonprofits, small businesses, and local municipalities.
and HVAC systems.
Downtown Ocean City’s own nonprofit community development corporation, the OCDC, was excited to receive $300,000 from the DHCD’s Project Restore 2.0 program as well as $25,000 from the Main Street Improvement program.
Project Restore 2.0 is a program designed to fill vacant commercial properties, either by funding necessary repairs needed at distressed properties or by incentivizing tenants by offering rent assistance.
The OCDC’s funds received from Project Restore 2.0 will be used to renovate the property located at 102 Worcester Street in downtown Ocean City. Formerly housing multiple bars and restaurants, such as Duffy’s Love Shack, Bamboo’s, and Worcester Street Brewing Co., this property has sat vacant and neglected for many years.
“Despite sitting in the heart of downtown Ocean City, this property has been vacant for many years and it needed renovations completed before any tenant was going to have real interest in property”, said Zach Bankert, executive director of the OCDC.
“Interior block locations, between the boardwalk and bayside blocks, have historically been difficult for retail and restaurants,” he said. “Our hope is that by renovating the building, we can help promote development in the mid blocks and eventually encourage foot traffic between the Boardwalk and Bayside districts.”
Renovations planned at 102 Worcester include a new roof, siding, windows and doors, new drywall throughout the first floors, and major updates to the plumbing, electrical,
The OCDC is also pleased that the building will be brought up compliance with Downtown Design Standards. Work is expected to begin soon on the building. Once the renovations are complete and a first floor tenant secured, the OCDC hopes to find addition funding to convert the second floor into a workforce housing project.
The OCDC manages the Main Street Maryland designation for the Town of Ocean City and was therefore eligible for $25,000 through the Main Street Improvement Grant (MIP).
This funds a variety of programs across Maryland’s 34 accredited Main Street Communities, as well as multiple affiliated communities hoping to receive full accreditation.
The OCDC will be using the funds it received from MIP to continue to fund the OCDC Development and Assistance Program (aka the Workforce Housing Program).
This program helps fund seasonal workforce housing projects in Downtown Ocean City, either by paying for predevelopment costs for new construction projects or renovation costs for existing workforce housing projects in need of updating or repair.
“We use these funds to help tackle one of the lingering issues in Ocean City, which is we don’t have enough quality housing for our seasonal employees, Bankert said. “While this program doesn’t solve the problem entirely, it chips away at it, and this year we were happy to award $25,000 to a business owner that is building 34 new beds downtown this winter.”
Downtown Property Owners interested in applying for this program are encouraged visit www.OCDC.org or call the offices at (410)-289-7739 and ask to speak to the programs manager.
The property at 102 Worcester Street will be improved using a portion of the $300,000 the OCDC received though Project Restore 2.0.
OC CRUZERS
September marks the final month of the car shows on Somerset Street presented by the OC Cruzers and the OCDC, with shows taking place on Sept. 1 and 15. The final show of the year will feature live music from the Beach Bandit Duo. Please remember that in order to show your car, you must be a member of the Ocean City Cruzers and pre-registered. Shows are free to attend and the collection of unique classics, hot rods, and customs are constantly rotating.
Downtown Events September 2024
Sept. 1
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers continue their classic car shows on Somerset Plaza. These shows are family friendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. Shows take place from 3-6 p.m.
Sept. 11
Parade of Brothers Boardwalk Ride
This motorcycle ride down the Boardwalk will horror those lost on 9/11 and raise money for local charities. The ride is being ran by the Red Knight Motorcycle Club (MD-3). Registration to ride starts at 9 a.m. at 27th street on the Boardwalk, with the parade starting at 11:30 a.m. Registration fee is $20 and riders will receive a commemorative pin. A memorial service will be held on N. Division Street and the Boardwalk at noon.
Sept. 11–15
OC Bikefest
This annual event returns in 2024. Major headliners for this year’s Bikefest concerts include Buckcherry, Sevendust, Theory of a Deadman, Tesla, Ted Nugent, Styx, and Cheap Trick. Vendors, demos, and other attractions will be set up at the inlet parking lot
and convention center. Full festival details and tickets info are at the website www.ocbikefest.com
Sept. 15
OC Cruzers on Somerset Plaza
The OC Cruzers continue their classic car shows on Somerset Plaza. These shows are familyfriendly and free to the public. Stroll Somerset Plaza and check out an array of classics, hot rods, and custom cars. This final show of the year will have live music from the Beach Bandit Duo. Shows take place from 3-6 p.m.
Sept. 16
Preschool Messy Play
The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Dept. present Preschool Messy Play. Bring your preschooler for an afternoon of fun and expression. Messy play will help to free curious and happy minds, as children 2-4 years old explore different textures and sensations, and involve more of their senses in the learning process. Parents/Guardians Must participate with their child. Tickets are $18-$22 and the event takes place between 1-2 p.m.
Sept. 21
OCtoberfest Shore Craft Beer Festival
This is the 10th year for this craft
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Downtown Events
September 2024
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beer festival. Located this year at Bayside Park on 3rd Street, the event will offer attendees unlimited samples of local craft beer, mead, and seltzers, as well as live music from Tranzfusion, vendors, food trucks, and yard games. Proceeds from this festival go to benefit the local non-profit, the OCDC. General admission and VIP tickets are available at www.shorecraftbeerfest.com.
Sept. 27-29
Oceans Calling Music Festival
Returning after major success in 2023, Oceans Calling is a 3 day music festival headlined by world famous talent such as Blink 182, The Killers, and Dave Matthews Band. This unique festival takes place on the beach and Boardwalk south of N. Division Street. This is a ticketed event, with verified resale tickets available at www.oceanscallingfestival.com.
September showtime downtown
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Attendees will enjoy unlimited samples of local and regional craft beers, meads, and seltzers, while taking the fantastic views of the bay. The festival will also feature live music from the band Tranzfusion, a large assortment of vendors, food trucks, and yard games.
Proceeds from this craft beer festival go to the local nonprofit, the OCDC. Tickets can be bought in advance at www.ShoreCraftBeer.com.
Closing out the month is one of downtown OC’s newest and largest events, the Oceans Calling music festival. After a hugely successful year in 2023, Oceans Calling is back with three days world famous bands. Headliners for the 2024 festival include Blink 182, the Killers, and the Dave Matthews Band.
The supporting acts billed under the headliners are just as impressive, with acts such as O.A.R., the Offspring, Counting Crows, Young the Giant, Cage the Elephant and Mt. Joy.
Celebrity chefs, such as Robert Irvine and Marc Murphy, are also featured at the festival. Truly a unique experience, this festival incorporates eight blocks of the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, and attendees get to take all the sights, sounds, and tastes the Boardwalk has to offer.
If you miss one of September’s many special events, don’t worry, Downtown Ocean City always has a lot to offer. Where to start? Well, the beach, naturally. Ocean City has miles of clean and well-maintained beaches, perfect for taking a stroll, sunbathing, surfing, or boogey boarding.
The ocean temperature off the coast of Ocean City stays warm enough for many people to swim through much of September. Unlike some other communities, our beach is always free. Did you know Ocean City has a beach bonfire program? Permits are required for bonfires; see all the rules and requirement for this unique, family friendly experience at ocbonfires.com.
Had enough of the beach? Don’t forget our world class boardwalk. It’s nearly 3 miles long and packed with rides, arcades, museums, stores, bars and restaurants. Highlights include the Life-Saving Station Museum, Jolly Rogers rides at the pier and Trimpers Rides at the inlet, local surf shops, and our many arcades (yes, games are more fun if they aren’t on your phone).
Hungry after all that sand and sun or walking the full length of the boardwalk? A food tour of Ocean City has everything from iconic Boardwalk munchies, such as caramel corn, salt water taffy, and pizza to high-end
seafood, usually accompanied by an equally excellent waterfront view.
Looking for a drink? Downtown Ocean City has everything from the local’s favorite watering holes (head to Wicomico Street) to bayside dock bars, where the drinks are only overshadowed by the striking sunsets. Many of our bars and restaurants have a lively entertainment schedule.
Still have some energy? Downtown Ocean City has tons of activities to get your blood pumping. Head to the bayside for Jet Ski or pontoon boat rental, or book a tour on a ocean going powerboat. The recently renovated Bayside Park on 3rd Street, houses the country’s oldest municipal skate park, the Ocean Bowl Skate Park.
Bayside Park also has tennis/pickleball courts, basketball courts, and a playground. Book a charter fishing boat and head out for the day to catch a tuna or maybe even a marlin. Public Playgrounds are located at N. Division Street (on the Boardwalk) and at Bayside Park. We have multiple bicycle rental businesses and we encourage you to rent bike and explore Downtown.
The shoulder season is here, and whether you’re here for one of our festivals or to capture that last bit of summer, we hope you enjoy your time in Downtown Ocean City.
Daily DeepSeaFishing
OCDC makes grant programs available for property owners
Continuing a long history of supporting downtown Ocean City, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has more grant programs available than ever for downtown property owners and business owners.
These grants have helped fund hundreds of property renovations and helped dozens of businesses set up new locations. It’s difficult to walk any street in Downtown Ocean City without seeing a property that one of our programs has helped improve.
Over the past year, the OCDC was pleased to announce the refunding of the Business Assistance Program and launch the Workforce Housing Program. A snapshot of the OCDC grant programs include:
• Development and Assistance (Workforce Housing): Up to $25,000 for property owners developing new employee housing or rehabilitating existing employee housing.
• Business Assistance: Up to $10,000 to help businesses build out interior spaces of downtown locations; can be used by owners starting a new business or existing businesses opening a new location.
• Façade Improvement: Up to $7,500 to help make exterior improvements to your building; examples include new siding, railings, porches, windows and doors.
• Green Building: Up to $7,500 to improve the energy efficiency of your building, such as new windows, doors and improved insulation.
• Roof Improvement: Up to $2,000 for roof replacement.
• Streetside Fence: Up to $2,000 for fence replacement or installation.
• Downtown Lights: Up to $500 for exterior lighting upgrades.
Funding for these grants comes from Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, Maryland’s Main Street Program, and the fundraising efforts of the OCDC.
These grants are restricted to downtown properties (generally south of 17th Street). Other restrictions also apply and applicants are encouraged to contact the OCDC before starting work.
For more information, contact the OCDC’s Program Manager (David Noonan) at 410-289-7739 or David@OCDC.org.
All of our candies are handcrafted with the finest ingredients. Wockenfuss is an Ocean City tradition everyone loves – especially your friends and family at home. Because they can’t wait for you to bring them back a box of our homemade fudge and taffy just for them. So visit WOCKENFUSS for the candy that gets a big fuss.
Good times at the OCtoberfest are a matter of routine for vendors and fans of the brews available at the annual event. Most of breweries are located in the region.
Beer festival set for Bayside Park on 3rd St.
OCtoberfest, a craft beer festival put on by Shore Craft Beer and the OCDC, has for the past 10 years taken place in late October at Sunset Park in Downtown Ocean City. This year the event’s organizers have made the decision to move the beer festival to Bayside Park at 3rd Street on Sept. 21.
When asked why the changes were made, OCDC Executive Director Zach Bankert explained, “The change of location was an easy decision for us. The new park is gorgeous and much larger than our previous venue, allowing us to sell more tickets and bring in more breweries and vendors.” He also noted that the change in date was due to conflicts with other shoulder season events in Ocean City and the surrounding region.
“OCtoberfest is a nod to Germany’s famous Oktoberfest, which also starts on Sept, 21st this year, so the change of date is really fitting,” he said.
Breweries set up at OCtoberfest will be offering unlimited samples of beer, mead and seltzers. Most of the breweries are from Maryland or the surrounding region, with an emphasis placed on local breweries from the Eastern Shore.
The festival will also feature live music from the band Tranzfusion, food trucks, and vendors. Last year’s festival had more than 15 breweries, pouring over 40 varieties of beer, mead and seltzers. This year, the promoters expect to have an even larger selection.
Proceeds from this event go to the OCDC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of revitalizing Downtown Ocean City. General Admission and VIP tickets for the 2024 OCtoberfest are available for purchase at www.ShoreCraftBeerFest.com/octoberfest.
